I'm Pregnant!

Congratulations! If this is your first pregnancy or if you will be delivering
your second or third child, we are excited to be part of your pregnancy
journey. If you don’t have a doctor, now is the time to find a physician
that will share in one of life’s most precious moments with you.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Weeks 1 – 4

During these weeks your baby is barely the size of a pen point. But don’t
worry, development progresses rapidly.

You may start feeling symptoms similar to those you experience during your
period such as fatigue, moodiness and breast tenderness.

Time to hit the books! Stock up on all the pregnancy and childbirth books
you need at our
Gift Shop, located in the main lobby of our Bluebonnet hospital.

Weeks 5 – 8

Your baby’s size is close to that of a grain of rice. Don’t
let the size fool you — your baby has experienced some major developments!

At six weeks your baby’s heart begins to beat and organs are beginning to form.

You may notice that you have either gained or lost a few pounds. This is
normal as your body is adjusting to pregnancy.

This is the time to make your first appointment with your OB/GYN.
Click here to find an OB/GYN delivering at Baton Rouge General.

Weeks 9 – 13

It’s hard to tell just from your waistline, but by week nine your
baby is the size of a raspberry.

Your baby’s body systems, such as circulatory, nervous, reproductive
and digestive systems, are fully formed during this time. The most critical
stage of development is now complete.

Take time to listen to your body. If you feel tired, RELAX!

Weeks 14 – 18

By now, your baby is about the length of a medium-sized banana and weighs
around three ounces!

By week 16 you should be able to determine the gender of your baby. If
you want to know, you can contact your doctor for details.

At this time you should begin feeling your baby’s movements. These
movements will feel like a fluttering sensation.

This is a good time for you to start sleeping on your side to help increase
the blood flow to the baby.

Come visit us! Now is the time to schedule your tour of the Birth Center
at Baton Rouge General. Register for the
Tour for Two (or More!).

Weeks 19 – 22

By this time your baby will be dreaming about the wonderful life that awaits.
It is at this stage in your pregnancy that your baby begins to dream while sleeping.

Around week 20, due to the pressure of your growing baby, your “innie”
will most likely become an “outtie.” For those attached to
their innies, don’t worry—most will go back following delivery.

Begin thinking about whether or not you want to breastfeed. Register for the
Breastfeeding Basics class, and don’t forget, our Corner Pharmacy has all the breastfeeding
supplies you might need.

Weeks 23 – 27

Your baby has fingerprints by week 25.

This is also the time that your baby can begin to hear external noises.
Fill your home with relaxing sounds, and talk to your baby frequently
since they can already recognize mom’s voice.

You might begin to experience Braxton Hicks Contractions, the sudden tightening
and relaxing of your uterus, which should be painless and irregular. Don’t
worry, this is your body’s way of practicing for the big event!

Weeks 32 – 35

Make sure that you have an infant car seat securely installed to take your
new baby home from the hospital. This will also give you time to drive
around and make sure that the seat is positioned just right for you to
see what your baby is up to.

The Braxton Hicks contractions you have been experiencing, which should
be painless and irregular, intensify these final weeks.